Mercedes' new electric car

Dec 15 2008 Steve Hughes

Mercedes' new electric car

A TRIO of alternative fuel models has been developed by Mercedes-Benz to be displayed at Janurary's North American Motor Show where environmental concerns are now top priority.

Every motor manufacturer that aims to have a future in the States is eager to promote its green credentials regardless of how practical or feasible their designs are for real-world motoring.

Mercedes-Benz has come up with what it calls BlueZERO, which houses three alternative technologies within a single concept car.

BlueZERO E-CELL is a battery-electric drive with a range of up to 120 miles, BlueZERO F-CELL uses fuel cell technology to create a range of about 250 miles using electric drive whilst BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS combines electric drive and a small petrol engine to extend the range to 370 miles.

The three technologies are made possible by the Mercedes system of using a double-layer sandwich floor, as in the A-Class model, plus the company's one-litre three-cylinder petrol engine from the smart fortwo city car.

In the case of the five-seat concept show car, there is front wheel drive and acceleration to 60mph in just under 11 seconds in all three cases.

The liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries have a storage capacity of up to 35kW and the compact electric motor has a maximum output of 100kW and pulling power of 320Nm. The top speed of each model is electronically limited to 93mph in the interests of optimal range and energy efficiency.

The BlueZERO E-CELL and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can store enough energy for a range of 30 miles within 30 minutes although in terms of purely electrical drive one or two hours of charging time is needed for a range of 120 miles and 240 miles respectively.